フォワの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ12

There was good vegetarian food and a delicious dessert. Hot showers are available until 6 p.m. There's no real drying room. If the hut is full and all the hikers have to dry their shoes by the fireplace, expect to have to wear wet clothes and shoes the next morning. Unfortunately, there was only one used newspaper for over 50 pairs of wet shoes 🤷

Very welcoming and friendly staff, with a fantastic view of the Bassiès ponds.

Magnificent routes to explore in the region

Very beautiful and photogenic lakes in a high valley, accessible only by long hikes/climbing. Therefore, they are not as crowded as the reservoir in the valley below. You'll often need your hands on the descent from the eponymous peak, Pic d'Étang Fourcat.

Conveniently located hut for those who want to take the technically easiest, but with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, longest climb from the parking lot at L'Artigue to the peaks of Pic du Montcalm, Pica d'Estats, and Pic de Sotllo. The hut was already closed when I climbed in mid-October, but a winter room with approximately 14 beds was open. There's a cash register at the entrance, charging €8 per night.

"The house by the lake..." Beautifully situated hut on the ascent path from the L'Artigue parking lot to several peaks, including Pic du Montcalm and Pica d'Estats (I also included the somewhat more difficult Pic de Sotllo, hence my photos here as a "highlight" of mountain hiking). The hut was already out of service in October 2024, but there was a winter room with approximately 14 beds. A cash register awaits a deposit of €8 per night.

This refuge is located in the middle of the Bassiès cirque, at an altitude of 1,650 meters. The refuge has dormitories and rooms with single beds. It is also possible to bivouac on the lawns surrounding the refuge. You can even rent tents and mattresses. The refuge also offers a catering service available for all three meals.

The En Beys refuge which overlooks the eponymous ponds culminates at an altitude of 1,970 meters, in the heart of the Orlu national reserve. Situated on the great GR 7 which connects the Vosges to the Pyrenees, the refuge remains an excellent detour for the GRP® tour of the Ax Mountains or Tour des Pérics. In a warm and family setting, the refuge guardians offer 70 beds in high season as well as a complete catering offer. In winter, 15 places remain freely accessible, accessible through the window at the top of the ladder which fits on one of the walls of the building. The refuge is an ideal place to observe the burning of the granite walls of the Pics Rouges at sunset, or the galloping chamois in the snowfields in the early morning. If you wish to extend your stay for one night, do not hesitate to contact the refuge on 05 61 64 24 24 to find out about opening dates and bed availability.